"It seems just as the Britishers wanted to benefit the East India Company at the expense of millions of labourers of this country, the Modi government wants to benefit 5-6 crony businessmen friends of this government", the party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.

Alleging that the government has failed to engage with the agitating unions, he said that the 'obstinacy' on the part of the PM Modi dispensation has led to the stalemate and the nationwide strike today. "Utter apathy and mindless quest for changes in Labour laws to the disadvantage of workers and undue advantage of a few crony capitalists, characterises this government's attitude", he said adding that 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' was just a slogan.

Major trade unions of the country have called for a day-long strike to press for their 12-point charter of demands which includes urgent measures to contain price rise, contain unemployment, strict enforcement of basic labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers and minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month.

They are also demanding enhanced pension for workers, stoppage of disinvestment in PSUs, removal of ceiling on bonus and provident fund, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days, no amendment to labour laws unilaterally and stopping of FDI in railways, defence and so on.